Merchandising Team Lead Los Angeles, California, United States Or refer someone About the Job Merchandising Team Lead Job SummaryWe are looking for a strategic and results-driven Merchandising Team Lead to lead our end-to-end merchandising function, building a comprehensive portfolio strategy to bridge Korean and U.S. product selection/operations. This role will oversee brand sourcing, product strategy, category planning, campaign execution, and cross-border operational support across online and offline stores. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of both K-beauty and the U.S. beauty market, and a proven ability to translate global strategies into high-impact local executions.
What You'll Do:
K-Beauty Strategy & OperationsCollaborate with Korean HQ and U.S. teams to develop and manage a strong K-beauty brand portfolio and product pipeline Lead planning and launch of exclusive products for the U.S. market, including GWP, special kits, and gift sets Oversee regular purchase orders and local sourcing schedules to ensure timely product availability Plan and execute merchandising campaigns in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders Report on performance metrics of key MD campaigns eCommerce Strategy & OperationsServe as liaison between HQ and U.S. MD teams to establish effective communication and collaboration Support regulatory processes, including MoCRA compliance and inbound logistics workflows Assist in building local e-commerce capabilities, including localized UI/UX and functionality improvements Collaborate with HQ local/global merchandising teams on new brand onboarding MD Management & ReportingDevelop and execute localized MD strategies aligned with global brand direction across offline and digital channels Identify new growth drivers through trend spotting and market segmentation Analyze sales data by channel and store to generate actionable insights Track, evaluate, and optimize performance of merchandising and marketing campaigns Support business development initiatives including strategic partnership sourcing Store Openings & Retail OperationsLead end-to-end planning for new store openings, including POG setup and in-store display coordination Optimize in-store experiences with localized product offerings and service innovation Facilitate collaboration across HQ and local departments to ensure smooth operations Brand Sourcing & ManagementCurate and maintain a local brand pool aligned with our company's MD identity and market trends Lead outreach, pitching, and onboarding processes for new brand partners Oversee inventory planning and order cycles for local brands Monitor brand performance and co-plan promotions to drive growth Build and nurture long-term relationships with key industry stakeholders Promotion Planning & ExecutionDesign market-relevant promotional strategies using both global and local IPs Collaborate with brands and marketing teams on co-branded campaigns Adjust promotional strategies based on market trends and consumer behavior Align product and marketing launches with seasonal events and brand activations QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field 10+ years of merchandising, buying, or category management experience in the beauty or retail industry Strong knowledge of both Korean and U.S. beauty markets Demonstrated experience in product sourcing, vendor management, and campaign execution Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills Experience working in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment Preferred QualificationsExperience in end-to-end category management with strong executive communication capabilities is preferred Bilingual proficiency in English and Korean is desirable but not required. Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and Word
